Specialty Programs
Hospice of Chattanooga has recently developed and launched three specialized programs to meet the needs of patients, their loved ones, and caregivers – Memorable Journey, Heart Touch Journey, and Clear Journey.
“When a person is admitted to hospice, the goal is to help them receive compassionate care in their home – and in doing so minimize the need for emergency room visits or readmission to the hospital. Life-limiting illnesses like COPD and congestive heart failure often result in many trips to the ER, when the symptoms can be effectively addressed in the home if caught in time,” says Greg Phelps, MD, chief medical officer for Alleo Health System. “These programs are designed to offer education and physical, emotional and spiritual support for patients and families that decreases the likelihood of re-hospitalization and improves the quality of life.”
Memorable Journey is an approach to Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia that provides individualized and evidence-based care that addresses the most distressing issues for caring for people with these illnesses. Staff specially trained in Alzheimer’s and dementia care help manage the common symptoms of agitation and anxiety. Patients also receive a comfort kit with a weighted blanket, hypo-allergenic lotion, a memory keepsake box, and other items to help them feel calm and secure.
Heart Touch Journey is a patient and family-centered clinical program designed to help cardiac disease patients stay in their homes and reduce uncomfortable and lengthy trips to the emergency room. A cardiac comfort kit of medications that helps manage pain and symptoms, daily calls or visits if needed, and 24/7 access to an on-call nurse help provide a better quality of life at home through physical, emotional, and spiritual support.
Clear Journey is a patient-centered, clinical specialty program to help end-stage pulmonary patients stay in their homes and reduce emergency room visits. A pulmonary comfort kit is provided to manage symptoms such as difficulty breathing, anxiety, and pain. Daily calls or visits and 24/7 access to an on-call nurse means caregivers receive education, support, and guidance around pain management and emergencies.
“These programs have really made a difference for our patients and their families, especially during the COVID pandemic when going to the hospital was even more strenuous than before. Our goal is to help them feel secure and that someone is looking out for their well-being every day. And in doing so, we can be ready to answer their questions, provide assistance when necessary and have a nurse go out to check on them if something isn’t right,” says Dr. Phelps.
Because these programs have been so successful and well received by Hospice of Chattanooga patients, they are now being offered to individuals receiving palliative care. Palliative care is the specialized medical care for people with serious illness that emphasizes providing patients with the relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of a life-limiting diagnosis of two years or less but who are still seeking aggressive treatment.
For more information about any of Hospice of Chattanooga’s specialized programs, visit hospitceofchattanooga.org or call 423-892-1533.